I Went to Vote Today.

I have voted in a number of elections since my 18th birthday (as per my civic duty), but never have I participated in a vote with this amount of electricity surrounding it.

This morning felt like Christmas. Much too anxious to sleep in late, I woke up at 5am. As I walked to my polling place (3901 Market St.) everything seemed a little bit brighter. Despite the clouds in the sky, the sidewalk glistened and the crispness of the air had an unexpected comforting appeal to it. Today, life had an untold, yet undeniable meaning. If I had to describe my mood using a weather as we do at times in class, I would have certainly been "sunny." I had a spring in my step; that "first date" flutter in my heart (or stomach--hard to tell which). My "date" today was with history. Today, I am officially a part of history. I am deciding the shape of my future and of those whom I care about.

When I entered 3901 Market, I could see that my fellow voters were excited too! Ages in the room ranged from 6-99 years of age. In the eyes of old black men and women you could not help but see hope and dreams fulfilled. Poll workers sang impromtu songs "Today's the day, nobody knows what's gonna happen." Now, there were also those who had to find things to complain about: "The lines are too long. They should have... I would have... They don't know what they're doing!"

Regardless of the complaints and regardless of the outcome (kind of) I'm inspired today. I witnessed the citizens of Philadelphia take pride in fulfilling their duty. Take pride in actively participating in history. Take ownership of their destines. Voting day seems like an extended festival. Now its time to wait for the results..doesn't look like I'm sleeping tonight; those butterflies just won't quit. I hope that this isn't another election 2000 or 2004 or Bradley.

I went to vote today. What did you do?

You can vote however you like!

Too cute:



You've gotta love the young, civic minded, rhythmically inclined and Southern.

American Ugliness. Is this news story really that shocking?

Take a look at this article. It details the latest and most publicized assassination attempt on Barack's life. But why would supremacists stop there? "Let's kill some Black High School kids while we're at it?" Ladies please. React & reflect. Should we expect this kind of race motivated hatred? How many people thought that we were past this type of open bigotry?

New York Times, "Arrests in Plan to Kill Obama and Black Schoolchildren"

"I'm Scared of an Obama Presidency."

What do you make of this clip. McCain tries to fan flames that he created around Obama's image. Why? What do you make of the accusations? Why people begin to heckle McCain when he speaks positively of Obama's social character?

Tina Fey Helping or Hurting Palin?

I know, I know. I'm obsessed with this Tina Fey as Sarah Palin shtick. But as is the case with many things: I can't help myself. I found a Time article that deals with how Fey, a comedian, may be affecting the way the voters view Palin. View the clip below, and comment.

Sexist or political satire?

This is an exciting election. Its gotten people in our country talking about some really touchy subjects like race, sex, and identity.

Do you think this clip is sexist or just funny? Tina Fey plays Gov. Sarah Palin and Amy Pohler plays Sen. Hillary Clinton:

He makes me believe...

Barack just makes sense. Doesn't reason and forethought count for anything anymore? Ladies of 255 and 256, make a thoughtful comment about this post for some possible credit. What do you think about what he says? If you don't have an opinion yet, what do your family members think?